Eridge Green - The Working Horse Trust 2008

We are very lucky having the opportunity to spend time in remote places most other people never get to visit.  Eridge Green is a beautiful place in Rural Sussex as you can see on the left and in the pictures in this slideshow.   Forge Wood Farm is traditionally farmed by volunteers working to "Harness Horse Power to help the Environment".  Unfortunately Obie managed to pull off a shoe in the lorry, Robert, our farrier, didnt attend as he was haymaking and the farrier for the Working Horse Trust wasn't available until Sunday.  We had a quiet and frustrating Saturday, but once Obie was put to rights Steve and Sue set about taking part in as many events as they could squeeze in.  Jo and I had an opportunity too, to practice our cooldown techniques, both for the business and in preparation for La Route Du Poission in September.  Rowena Mc Dermott, our Chef d' Equipe, measured the horses heart rate after the cross country driving competition and cool down. (it has to be 80 bpm or less after 5 minutes and before 20 minutes or else the horses face possible disqualification as not fit enough).  Rupert passed fine but Obie took a little longer.  It was a good practice and although the techniques are mostly there, there are still details we can make better.  The boys will benefit too, from a little more hard work, which we will happily supply.  In the end it was worth staying, despite the frustrations of losing a day.  Enjoy the slideshow, it is worth watching.